Introducing the most advanced, state-of-the-art health care experience the South Shore has ever seen. To
Here at Good Samaritan University Hospital, “better” isn’t a finish line. It’s a starting point. A new beginning. A symbol of transformation our community deserves. And while our Patient Care Pavilion will feature an all-new, expanded emergency department, technologically advanced operating rooms, reimagined private patient rooms, and enhanced Trauma and Stroke centers, we know that better care isn’t just about the building. It’s about the people inside, and the hands that heal. Because better is something we live every day. And it never stops.
Town Officials Lead Effort For New Post-9/11 Memorial At Overlook Beach
More than two decades after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the toll of that day continues to grow.
At Overlook Beach, the Town of Babylon and the Town of Babylon Fire Chiefs Association are planning a new post-9/11 memorial to honor town residents who later died from illnesses linked to toxic exposure at Ground Zero.
The memorial will recognize that deaths from 9/11-related illnesses have now surpassed those killed on the day of the attacks, with experts warning that thousands more may be diagnosed in the coming decades.
“Unfortunately, we believe these illnesses could continue for the next 25 to 30 years,” said Thomas Richardson, a Deer Park resident, former FDNY chief of department, and member of the Town of Babylon Fire Chiefs Association.
Planning is being led by the Chiefs Association, whose members bring decades of service and firsthand experience with the long-term effects of 9/11.
“This is really a team effort,” said Town of Babylon Councilman Terence McSweeney. “The Chiefs Association has led the way, with support from Deputy Supervisor and Councilman Tony Martinez and our DPW staff.”
McSweeney said the memorial is meant to reassure families that their loved ones have not been forgotten and to formally acknowledge the lasting human cost of 9/11.
“This is how the town reflects the nation’s gratitude to those who spent countless hours at the site,” he said. “It will give families a place to mourn, reflect, and find support.”
The post-9/11 memorial will be built alongside Babylon’s existing 9/11 memorial, completed in
2005, which honors the 48 town residents killed in the attacks. Families and Chiefs Association leaders urged a unified design so all sacrifices are recognized in one space.
As a result, the new memorial will mirror the original design, with completion targeted for Sept. 11, 2026. Funding will come through the town’s capital improvements budget.
McSweeney, an FDNY firefighter for more than 22 years, said the memorial also serves an educational purpose.
“If we don’t keep teaching what really happened and its long-term effects, history has a way of repeating itself,” he said.
While some memorials nationwide now include post-9/11 deaths, Babylon’s dedication is believed to be among the first on Long Island created specifically for town residents who later died from 9/11-related illnesses.
The memorial will honor not only first responders, but anyone who worked at the World Trade Center site and later died from exposure-related conditions recognized by the World Trade Center Health Program under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.
For town leaders and the Chiefs Association, the memorial ensures that sacrifice is recognized not just on one day in history, but for generations to come.
Babylon Town Post9/11 Memorial Eligibility Requirements:
• Must have been a Babylon Town resident at some point during the rescue and recovery period
• Must have been registered with the WTC Health Program or diagnosed with a
certified 9/11-related illness
• Must have passed away
as a direct result of that certified illness For more information or to apply, contact Councilman Terence McSweeney’s office at
gmontes@townofbabylon ny.gov or 631-957-3081.
Babylon And Huntington Winter Senior Advocate Schedules
Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to inform Babylon and Huntington residents about the local Suffolk County Office for the Aging Winter 2026 Senior Advocate Schedule. Senior advocates are County representatives who come out into the community and assist seniors with information gathering, completion of eligibility or recertification applications and referrals to appropriate community agencies.
“It is so important for us to provide our senior citizens with the assistance and information they need in ways that are most convenient to them. These visits allow our seniors to connect with our County’s senior advocates right in their own communities,” said Legislator Donnelly. “I hope all those interested in the services that the Suffolk County Office for the Aging provides will take advantage of this opportunity.”
This winter, Senior Advocates will be visiting the following locations in the Town of Babylon:
• Deer Park Library, 44 Lake Avenue, Deer Park: Friday, March 20, 8:30 am – 11:30 am
• North Amityville Senior Nutrition Center, 48-C Cedar Road, Amityville: Wednesdays, February 18
& March 18, 10 am – 1
pm
• Rainbow Senior Center, 293 Buffalo Avenue, Lindenhurst: Wednesday, March 4, 8:30 am – 11 am
• Tanner Park Senior Center, 2 Tanner Park, Copiague: Wednesdays, February 11 & March 11, 8:30 am – 2 pm
• Spangle Drive Senior Center, 4385 Spangle Drive, North Babylon: Tuesdays, February 24 & March 24, 12 pm – 3 pm
• West Babylon Library, 211 Route 109, West Babylon: Thursday, March 26, 10 am – 12 pm
• Wyandanch Senior Nutrition Center, 28 Wyandanch Avenue, Wyandanch: Wednesdays, February 25 & March 25, 10 am – 1 pm
In Huntington, they will be visiting the following:
• Huntington Senior Nutrition Center, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington: Wednesdays, February 18 & March 18, 8:30 am – 2 pm
• Paumanack Village 5 & 6, 100 Adriatic Drive, Melville: Thursdays, February 26 & March 26, 8:30 am – 12 pm; residents only Advocates assist with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as food stamps), Medicare Savings Program and
Heating Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) applications. They also can provide information on Medicare, answer questions and make recommendations and referrals. For more information about available services or directions to any of these locations, please call the Suffolk County Office for the Aging at (631) 853-8200.
“For more than three decades, the Suffolk County Office for the Aging has been providing full and trouble-free access to critical services,” Donnelly said. “I am glad to see their great professional community outreach program continue and hope that every senior resident will make full use of it.”
# # #
Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly represents the 17th Legislative District, which includes parts of Baywood, Deer Park, Dix Hills, Huntington, Melville, North Babylon, North Bay Shore and South Huntington. He is a member of the Budget & Finance, Fire, Rescue, EMS & Preparedness, Public Safety, Seniors & Human Services and Ways & Means committees of the Suffolk County Legislature.
2026 Winter Concert ‘Salon’ Series
At Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation invites you to warm up from the Winter cold and enjoy the comfort of fine classical music on Sunday afternoons at the River Room at Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park in Great River, New York.
The 2026 Winter Concert Salon Series performance schedule is as follows:
February 15 – Student
Showcase Variety Performance
March 01 – Serenade
Duo Jerry Saulter (Guitar), Michele LoPorte (Flute)
March 08 – Cambiata
Duo Paul Finkelstein (Cello) & Suzanne Mueller (Cello)
March 15 – Cross Island
Ensemble Suzanne Mueller (Cello), Eleanor Zayas (Piano), Joseph Rutkowski (Clarinet)
Seating will be limited with pre-registration required through the Islip
Arts Council. All concerts begin promptly at 1:00PM. The concerts, free to the public, are sponsored by the Islip Arts Council with funding provided by Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Natural Heritage Trust. For registration, please call the Islip Arts Council at (631) 888-3525 or visit isliparts.org. For information on the day of the concert, please call Bayard Cutting Arboretum at (631) 581-1002.
New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso announced that the New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is now accepting applications for academic and athletic scholarships with an award amount of $3,000 each. Scholarships are available to residents of the 9th Assembly District who are current college students or high school seniors entering college.
Applicants do not need to be of Italian American heritage to apply.
Students can access and complete the application by visiting: https://www. nyiacsl.org/apply-forscholarship-form
The application deadline is Monday, March 16, 2026.
“This is an excellent opportunity for high school seniors and college
students in the 9th Assembly District who have worked hard, distinguished themselves from their peers and intend to pursue higher education,” said Assemblyman Durso.
“With college costs on the rise, these scholarships can help reduce the financial burden for so many young people and their families. I encourage eligible students in my district to apply.”
The New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is a bipartisan organization of state Assembly and Senate members who actively promote and celebrate the state’s Italian American community. For additional information, or to inquire if the student lives in the 9th Assembly District, please call Assemblyman Durso’s office at 516-541-4598.
Sharp Tax
FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS
THURSDAY, FEB. 12th
10:00AM-2:00PM AFA HEALTH SCREENING DAY
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is inviting Long Islanders to get free health screenings. The event takes place at the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education and Resource Center, 149 Schleigel Boulevard in Amityville. Open to the public and free of charge. First-come, first-served basis; no appointments required. For more information, contact the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center at 631-223-4000
FRIDAY, FEB. 13th, and SATURDAY, FEB. 14th Friday 7:30AM, Saturday 1:30PM VALENTINE’S CABARET DINNER & SHOW
Celebrate St. James, in partnership with the director and cast of Lighthouse Repertory Theater, is presenting a special Valentine’s Cabaret fundraiser. The talented cast is generously donating their time and talent to support the restoration of the historic Calderone Theatre. Performances will be held at Celebrate St. James, located in the historic Calderone Theatre at 176 Second Street in St. James. All proceeds support ongoing theatre restoration efforts. For tickets and more information, please visit www. celebratestjames.org.
THURSDAY, FEB. 19th
10:00AM-12:00PM
MAKE A SUBMISSION! Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
WINTER BIRD WALK: FAMILY PROGRAM
2026 Robert Moses State Park in Babylon, Winter Environmental Event Winter on the beach is one of the best birding times of the year! Dress for the weather and we will be walking on sand. Bring binoculars. Reservations required: Visit Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure. If you are unable to keep your reservation, please call or cancel so others may have the opportunity to attend.
SATURDAY, FEB. 21st
1:00PM–4:00pm HOLIDAY CHEER BUS AWARDS CEREMONY KiDS NEED MoRE will host its Holiday Cheer Bus Awards Ceremony to celebrate the volunteers, fundraisers, donors, sponsors, and community partners who made the holiday season possible. The event honors the “elves” behind the scenes who helped spread cheer to children and families across Long Island. Carney’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, 136 Broadway in Amityville. For more information, visit kidsneedmore.org.
7:00PM-11:00PM
DANCE TO THE OLDIES
Will be held at the Wade-Burns VFW 7279, 560 N. Delaware Avenue in Lindenhurst. Tickets $40.00 pp includes: Hero sandwich, Macaroni and Potato salad, Tap beer, House Wine, Soda, coffee, Tea, Dessert.
Music by DJ Ralph. Call Dot Kelly at 631-957-6574 for ticket availability. Must be 18 or older to attend.
SUNDAY, FEB. 22nd
1:30PM–3:00pm BLACK EXPERIENCES IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR LECTURE
The New York State Parks’ Interpreter for African American History will present a special lecture program called “Black Experiences in the Revolutionary War” at Bethpage State Park’s Heritage Club in the Lenox Room. Reservations are required. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search by program title or #NatureEdventure. For questions, please call 631-581-1072
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25th 7:00PM BOY BAND & POP DIVA MUSIC BINGO 317 Main Street in Farmingdale. All winners will receive a prize! Reserve your spot now and purchase your ticket! 21+ / Limited menu available during the event. For more information, please call 631-9214670
THRU SAT. FEB. 28th 11:00AM-4:00PM HIDDEN HEARTS SCAVENGER HUNT At The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St. in Cold Spring Harbor. Find the hidden hearts and snag a prize! Free Event. For more information, please call 631-367-3418
Babylon Business Students Find Success At Virtual Enterprise Competition
Thirty-one students from Babylon JuniorSenior High School’s Virtual Enterprise program showcased their business acumen at the New York/Long Island Virtual Enterprise Annual Business Plan Competition and Trade Show, hosted at Long Island University.
During the two-day event, the Babylon students competed alongside more than 3,000 of their peers from across the region.
Under the direction of teacher Claire Reilly, Babylon students pitched products; presented comprehensive business plans for their student-
run virtual firms, Meat the Pickle & Co. and Pro-Fit, before judging panels; and engaged in a professional trade show environment, honing their sales and networking skills with participants from across Long Island and New York State.
The delegation
demonstrated great professionalism and skill. Both Babylon firms earned a combined total of over $100,000 in virtual enterprise cash, and Meat the Pickle earned the distinguished Silver Award in the Trade Show Booth Presentation category.
“Our students not only
exhibited professional dress and attire at this trade show, but also great business and social acumen,” Ms. Reilly said.
“I look forward to seeing them continue to hone these skills and find success when they step into the business world.”
Virtual Enterprise is an
internationally recognized program that provides students with a simulated, hands-on environment to learn entrepreneurial, financial, and professional business skills, preparing them for future success in college and career.
In total, 31 Babylon students represented the district at the trade show competition. Photo courtesy of the Babylon Union Free School District
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwords.
Babylon Public Library
24 S. Carll Ave.
Babylon, NY Erin White 631.669.1624
ADULT PROGRAMS
Social Work Intern
Wednesdays, February 18, & 25, 4:00pm - 7:00pm Fridays, February 13, 20, & 27, 11:00am – 2:00pm Saturdays, February 14, 21, & 28, 10:00am – 4:00pm Sundays, February 15, & 22, 1:00pm – 4:00pm Meet with our social work intern for referrals to community organizations and agencies for mental health services, food insecurity, legal assistance, and more. Our intern can also assist with applications for government sponsored programs and services (unemployment benefits, housing, SNAP, etc.), including following up on applications. Drop in during scheduled hours or email for an appointment at: socialworker@babylon library.org.
Adult Games
Monday, February 23
1:00pm – 4:00pm The Community Room is open for library patrons to play games of their own choosing. Patrons must bring their own games. New players are always welcome. Adults only. No registration required.
Winter Word Games
Thursday, February 12, 2:00pm – 3:00pm Wake your brain from winter hibernation with fun word games like Scattergories, Finish the Phrase, and more! Adults only, please. Registration required.
Evening Book Discussion: Fun for the Whole Family
Thursday, February 12, 7:00pm – 7:45pm We will be reading the book Fun for the Whole Family by Jennifer E. Smith. Copies will be available at the Adult Reference Desk. Registration required.
Medicare Savings Program & Medicaid Application Assistance for the 65+, Blind, and Disabled Populations
Friday, February 13, 11:00am - 2:00pm Health & Welfare Council of Long Island’s certified Healthcare Facilitated Enrollers will be at the library to provide enrollment assistance. The Facilitated Enroller will help clients fill out all applications and collect required documents to submit to the Department of Social Services. Please call their Healthcare Access Line at 516-505-4426 to make an appointment.
Plots & Pastries: We’ll Prescribe You a Cat Tuesday, February 17, 10:00am – 11:00am We will be reading the book We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida. Copies will be available at the Adult Reference Desk. Please register for this program.
Friday Films: Eleanor the Great Friday, February 20, 2:00pm - 4:00pm Stars June Squibb, Erin Kellyman, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Rated PG-13. Running time: 98 minutes. No registration required.
Chef Rob’s Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Saturday, February 21, 2:30pm – 3:30pm Learn how to make a cinnamon swirl chocolate chip bread that is perfect for entertaining, brunch, or just a sweet treat. Please bring a large and medium bowl, 9x5 loaf pan, whisk, and rubber spatula. A non-refundable $5.00 fee is due at program registration.
Babylon Library Travel Club
Wednesday, February 25, 6:00pm – 7:00pm Join us for Babylon Library Travel Club, where we explore the latest trends, regulations, news, and bargains. Have fun reminiscing about your favorite spots or delve
into new possibilities. No passport required! Registration required.
Will & Elder Law Planning Workshop
Thursday, February 26, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Attorney Kathleen Rose will discuss the importance of future planning and review how to make basic documents like wills, trusts, power of attorneys, and health care proxies. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions to the workshop. Please register for this program.
Camp Siegfried:
The German American Bund on Long Island Saturday, February 28, 2:00pm – 3:30pm In the mid-1930s, the German American Bund established over twenty summer camps throughout the United States, with its crown jewel being Camp Siegfried on Long Island. Despite its idyllic facade, the camp was part of the Bund’s efforts to spread Nazi propaganda in the Tri-state area and across the country. This lecture will use images from the local history collection at the Longwood Public Library to explore this dark time in our history. Registration required.
TEEN PROGRAMS
Teens Dungeons & Dragons
Wednesday, February 18 5:30pm – 7:30pm Join us in the library for Dungeons & Dragons! Build a character, choose your weapons, and lay waste to nasty critters with a roll of the dice. New and experienced players welcome! Grades 6-12. Registration required.
Teens Dog Toy Community Service
Wednesday, February 25, 4:00pm – 5:00pm Help make dog toys to donate to the Babylon Animal Shelter! We’ll supply the materials, you’ll do the assembly. Earn one hour of community service. Grades 6-12. Registration required.
Replace January’s Resolutions With February’s Intentions
By JoAnn Cilla
This month, a familiar feeling is setting in for many people. The 2026 calendar is still shiny and new, but the New Year’s resolutions you made with so much energy and optimism in December are already broken or holding on for dear life. You are still paying for a gym membership but haven’t gone since the second week of the year. The 2026 monthly budget you spent hours working on is busted, and your motivation for change has been replaced by guilt. This is usually the moment when people decide they have failed and quietly give up until next January.
January was never meant to be a verdict on your entire year. It is just one step on a 12-step staircase. Just because you slipped on the first step doesn’t mean you have to fall down the entire staircase.
Resolutions tend to be rigid. Lose 20 pounds. Save more money. Be less stressed. The problem is that resolutions often demand perfection from day one, at the exact moment when our lives are
JOANN CILLA
still playing catch-up after the holidays. One missed week, and we are ready to quit.
Intentions work differently. An intention is a direction, not a mandate. It invites progress instead of punishment. Intentions understand that there is no straight line to success or happiness; we will have good days and bad days. If we fall down a step with our intentions, we simply get back up and keep walking.
February is the perfect time to reset. The noise of January has faded. The pressure to reinvent yourself overnight is gone. You can take what you learned last month and adjust your goals without
drama. Maybe the intention is to move your body more, instead of committing to a daily workout you secretly dread. Maybe it is to be more thoughtful with money, instead of swearing off every small pleasure. Another benefit is that intentions do not have to last all year. Some of the most effective ones are short. They could be a month, ninety days, or even just a few weeks. Shorter intentions feel manageable and achievable, which builds confidence. Confidence is what carries you forward, not willpower alone.
Intentions also evolve. What you need in February may look different by June. When you give yourself permission to revisit and refine your intentions, you stay engaged instead of defeated.
If your resolutions fell apart in January, don’t write 2026 off. Replace last month’s resolutions with February intentions that fit the season you are in right now. A year shaped by intention often lasts much longer than one ruled by resolutions.
Looking For A Place To Come In Out Of The Cold...The Old Village Hall Museum Is Open To Visitors Year-Round
A Did you know that long before Lindenhurst became Lindenhurst, Native Americans called the area Neguntatogue which translates to? In 1930, what famous baseball players visited Lindenhurst to play an exhibition game against the local Lindenhurst team, Addie Klein’s Lindenhurst Nine? Did Lindenhurst ever have their own police department? Can you name an early area settler who fought in the French and Indian War and then served as a Sergeant in the American Revolution? The answer to these and other historical questions that tell the Lindenhurst story from the mid 1600’s through the late 20th century can be found at the Lindenhurst Historical Society’s Old Village Hall Museum. The museum building itself is indeed an historical artifact and is among the four historical museum buildings owned by the Village of Lindenhurst and championed by
the Historical Society’s stewardship. Open year round, the museum offers residents and visitors more than glimpse into Lindenhurst’s storied history. So, if you are looking for some local activity to while away a chilly Saturday afternoon or a place to take the children during school holiday break, why not visit the museum? Docents are on hand to answer questions and offer insight Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2pm to 4 pm. Come in out of the cold and discover a sense of place and a community bonding heritage. Admission is always free. The Old Village Hall Museum is located at Irmisch Historical Park, on the corner of South Broadway and Kent Avenue in Lindenhurst. For more information call 631506-8431 or email the Lindenhurst Historical Society at lindenhursthistoricalsociety@ gmail.com.
Classifieds
CHAPERONES WANTED
To Supervise Pre-School Age Group At The S.A.F.E. After School Childcare Program Located at Santapogue Elementary School in West Babylon. Hours Are 2:30pm - 5:30pm
Can I share a Health & Wellness work from home opportunity that I have been with for over 10 ye ars?
I can share my Facebook page also so that you can see & learn more or send you company video.
•Leaf Clean-ups •Brush and Vines Cut •Weeding •Snow Shoveling Call Kevin 631-422-5584 Lic. 22 08 0-H & Ins
Epox y Concrete Flooring, Concrete Pa ving Cleaning & Sealing. Doors, Mouldings Chair Rails Cabinet Refinishing Outdoor Furniture Repairs & Refinish ing
$100 OF F ANY JOB of $1000 or MORE 631 678-3733
Black Experiences In The Revolutionary War Lecture At Bethpage State Park
New York State Parks celebrates America’s Semi-Quincentennial.
On Sunday, February 22nd, the New York State Parks’ Interpreter for African American History will present a special lecture program called “Black Experiences in the Revolutionary War”. The program will be held from 1:30 – 3:00pm at Bethpage State Park’s Heritage Club in the Lenox Room.
Program Description: The Revolutionary War was more than battles. It was about people. Those saying no to England also said they did not want to be treated like slaves. Yet, many of them in New York, from the elite class down to tenant farmers were enslavers. Blacks became soldiers for both sides. Black women and children were both laborers and refugees. This program takes a look at the Black faces of the war, people who traditionally have been left out of the story. Presented by Lavada Nahon, Interpreter of African American.
Reservations are required. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search by program title or #NatureEdventure. For questions, please call (631) 581-1072.
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Alzheimer’s Foundation, DA’s Office, Babylon Town Clerk To Host Senior Scam Prevention Program
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), Babylon Town Clerk Gerry Compitello, and Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney will host a free senior scam prevention program on Wednesday, February 25, at 10 a.m. at the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center in Amityville.
The program, Preventing the Financial Exploitation of Seniors, will educate attendees on common scams, warning signs, steps to protect against fraud and identity theft, and how to respond if victimized. According to the FBI, seniors lose an estimated $3 billion annually to scams, often because they are viewed as trusting and financially stable.
AFA President and CEO Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. praised the partnership for empowering seniors with knowledge and awareness. District Attorney Tierney and Town Clerk Compitello emphasized the importance of education in protecting seniors from increasingly sophisticated scams. Advance registration is required. For more information or to register, call 631-223-4000.
Some love stories begin with flowers. Others start with chocolate. But the ones that last a lifetime? They begin at home.
In our communities, love lives in the everyday moments...
Saturday mornings around town, summer nights by the water, kids riding bikes down familiar streets, holiday dinners that turn into traditions, and neighbors who become lifelong friends.
A house is four walls and a roof. A home is where first steps are taken. Where birthdays are celebrated. Where memories are made year after year.
This Valentine’s Day, we celebrate love in all its forms.
Love for your family.
Love for your community. Love for the place you call home. Because when you love where you live, everything else just feels right. Happy Valentine’s Day!
